Related Experiment Videos
Hepatic lesions in rabbits infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculi administered per rectum
I C Fuentealba1, N T Mahoney, J A Shadduck
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station.
Abstract:
Microsporidia have been recognized recently as opportunistic pathogens in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. In an attempt to develop an animal model of enteric microsporidiosis, adult (5 to 6 months old) male Flemish Giant rabbits from a closed New York colony were administered 5 x 10(3), 5 x 10(5), and 5 x 10(7) Encephalitozoon cuniculi per rectum. Rabbits given 5 x 10(5) and 5 x 10(7) E. cuniculi had moderate granulomatous periportal infiltrates, characterized by the presence of numerous macrophages, epithelioid cells and a few multinucleated giant cells, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. Inflammatory cells also were seen infiltrating the tunica adventitia and tunica media of hepatic portal veins and branches of the hepatic artery. This study demonstrates that administration of E. cuniculi per rectum to rabbits results in infection that is characterized by high frequency and severity of hepatic lesions.
Insights
Researchers developed an animal model for enteric microsporidiosis using rabbits. Rectal administration of Encephalitozoon cuniculi caused significant hepatic lesions, establishing a model for studying this opportunistic infection.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Microsporidia are opportunistic pathogens, particularly in immunocompromised individuals like those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Developing reliable animal models is crucial for understanding enteric microsporidiosis and devising effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a rabbit model of enteric microsporidiosis.
- To investigate the pathological effects of rectal Encephalitozoon cuniculi administration in rabbits.
Main Methods:
- Adult male Flemish Giant rabbits were inoculated rectally with varying doses of Encephalitozoon cuniculi (5 x 10(3) to 5 x 10(7) organisms).
- Histopathological examination of liver tissues was performed to assess inflammatory responses and lesion severity.
Main Results:
- Rabbits receiving higher doses (5 x 10(5) and 5 x 10(7)) exhibited moderate granulomatous periportal infiltrates.
- Key inflammatory cells included macrophages, epithelioid cells, multinucleated giant cells, lymphocytes, and plasma cells.
- Significant inflammation was observed in the hepatic portal veins and branches of the hepatic artery.
Conclusions:
- Rectal administration of Encephalitozoon cuniculi effectively establishes enteric infection in rabbits.
- This rabbit model demonstrates a high frequency and severity of hepatic lesions, suitable for studying microsporidiosis pathogenesis.